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Michigan

Let’s all take a minute to deeply exhale… we made it through another summer! Fall is officially here today as the high was only 85. I love the metaphor my friend used — “the fever broke”.

It was an interesting and full summer and I’m glad I took a break from this space. But also, I missed it. And my sabbatical allowed me to miss it. While I was away I worked (and worked and worked) and spent a lot of time thinking (it’s kind of what I do) about everything that is life. I read books, watched movies, went on (not enough) walks, took a few photos, visited family and flexed other creative parts of my brain.

What a way to start the year — freezing with a smile on my face! I had not been back to the Mitten since Jan 2012 and that year, we had no snow until our last day and mostly balmy weather. Well, this trip couldn’t have been more different. It was the perfect weather for cross-country skiing, eating P-I-E, drinking hot tea, playing cards, and opening presents. A great way to start the year indeed!

This does not bode well for new resolutions. It’s the first week in January and I’m already behind! It doesn’t help that we spent two full days trying to escape the snowy, icy tundra that was the state of Michigan. But according to Mrs. Glass-Half-Full (*she’s only a teeny-tiny portion of my alter-ego not eaten by Mrs. What-The-Hell-Happened-Half-Empty) it means that I got to start the year with a bit of an adventure. I think getting stuck in Minnesota on a record cold night counts.

I have so many thoughts — about this space, my other space, goals, hopes, attempts, and a new word for the year. All of course to be shared in the days, weeks, and months ahead. If I can get it together. I can’t believe that this little space turned 6 years old on Jan 1 and that I’m still at it (as embarrassing as it may be).

We went back to Michigan for the annual family fishing tournament, the inaugural summer event. Saturday and Sunday were terribly rainy and cold, and thus not too many fish in our boat. (And unfortunately, even after the tournament, I still didn’t catch one like I did last year.) However, Monday proved to be glorious, and we spent much of the day outside. We, as always, over-ate — some really delicious food — fished, played cards, napped, and all around relaxed. It was good to see the out-laws again, although technically this time we were the out-of-towners.

I feel as if I should be more contemplative since we are closing out not only another year, but a decade. The aughts are over after all. But ten years is a bit much to take in at once; I’m just pleased to have made it another 365 days healthy, happy and with most of my mind in tact. Not too much of significance seemed to happen this year. It was a lovely stay-close-to-home kind of year. Out of the other side of my mouth will be that everything changed. It was the first time I’ve not had a full-time job; we moved; B turned 30; we added another kitty to the mix; my pop went to Afghanistan. Big and little things. All and all… I wouldn’t have traded it. A year with My Love is a year worth living!